HER ARMS PROTECT ME

Her arms protect me

while I sleep. Nothing

bothers us.



But my dad thumps

at the window of our bedroom.

He’s drunk. My…

SEPARATION OF BLOOD

I sit on the laboratory chair. I look around and wait for the nurse to come.

She comes. Finally.

And cleans my arm to find my vein.

"Hold still, mijo. I don't want this to get bloody."

Blood passes through my vein and into…

Dear Youth,



Thought I'd drop a line

to let you know you've got time.

So many cares cast upon lack.

Never fulfilled, you worry that you're fat

or unattractive or dumb.

Prosecuted by every thought, your life becomes humdrum --

the same old routine.

Doubt. Want. Envy. Where's your self-esteem?

Your will to live rather than sit still?

Don't tell me you're going to permit this kill!

Don't you know you're all you need

to succeed

and soar…

Imagining Starry

by Marie Ponsot





The place of language is the place between me



and the world of presences I…

I’m from the gravel roads of St. Rose and the suburban lanes of Kenner.

From the urban streets of New Orleans. All in all, I’m Louisiana grown.



I’m from the formality of Mardi Gras and the rebellion of Zulu’s carnival.

From the legacy and history of the Mardi Gras Indians.

I’m from old folks axing, “Who dat at the doh?”

From “Who dat say they gonna beat them Saints?”

I’m from “How ya mama and them?”

From “Fa sho!” and “Huh bruh!”



I’m from rural…

Thank You...



for always scouting over me so I wouldn't get into trouble,



for always cheering me on in my baseball games,



for always busting your butt off

( so we could have a roof over our heads, running water, and food so we wouldn't go hungry,)



for always letting my friends come over even though I misbehaved,



for always buying me gaming consoles even when I don't deserve them,



for always letting me work around the house…